Haul | Fashion Nova with Special Guest!

Check out my most recent YouTube video.  I recently purchased some items from Fashion Nova!  I can definitely say that Fashion Nova has some nice items especially their pants & jeans.  I will leave the links the items I purchased down below.  Also, shipping is SUPER fast!

My special guest was my son since he did NOT want to nap with his sister.  Hey, mommy still has work to do!  Enjoy!

Scout's Honor Bodysuit--Black | http://www.fashionnova.com/collections/bodysuits/products/scouts-honor-bodysuit-black

High Waist Skinny Jeans--White | http://www.fashionnova.com/collections/jeans/products/high-waist-skinny-jeans-white

Olive Oil Skirt--Black | http://www.fashionnova.com/collections/skirts/products/olive-oil-skirt-black

Necessity Black Shoes | http://www.fashionnova.com/collections/shoes/products/necessity-black

F T C

I purchased all items with my own money.  All thoughts & opinions are my own.

Peace & Happiness :)

~Erika B.

YouTube Groupie!

I have been addicted to YouTube for over the last year and when I say addicted I mean if the Internet went down today I think I would totally die.  But for real though 0_o.  I watch YouTube more than I watch TV.  I find myself grabbing for my computer soon as I get off work and now it's creeping into my work life!  I NEED REHAB!!!  LOL!  But with all that said I finally decided to join the YouTube community and I released my first video on Sunday!  YAY for me!!!  Check me out...my username for YouTube is ebanx151, but you can find me through Google+ @ebanx15!  I will be doing reviews on my channel and hope to start talking about saving money at the store through couponing and rewards systems.  

If you don't want to go through all the trouble, click the link here to find my channel right away!

Enjoy.  Like. Comment. Subscribe.  The best thing is that it's FREE!

Peace & Happiness :)

Erika

Post Review Rimmel London Moisture Renew Lipstick!

I WAS NOT COMPENSATED FOR THIS POST, HOWEVER I DID RECEIVE A SAMPLE FOR MY REVIEW.  ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN AND NOT INFLUENCED IN ANY WAY.

So the Rimmel new & improved Moisture Renew lipstick was a success!  Although I would not have picked the color I received, it was well worth it as it challenges me to wear brighter colors and when I want to tone it down all I have to do is add a liner.  I would HIGHLY recommend this product (the newer version, which colors will be released this June) as the price is right, the pigmentation is ridiculous, it is very moisturizing and does not dry out your lips, and it's long lasting.  I can say that I am open to try the original product and will most definitely be trying the new shades that are released in June!  Most Rimmel products can be found at Walmart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, and any other local drugstore or retailers.  Don't run out all at once!

Until next time!

Peace & Happiness :)

Erika

Influenster: Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick

I WAS NOT COMPENSATED FOR THIS POST, HOWEVER I DID RECEIVE A SAMPLE FOR MY REVIEW.  ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN AND NOT INFLUENCED IN ANY WAY.

I don't know what to say but "WOW!"  I was gone all week for Spring Break in Virginia and I knew that I had this box coming and couldn't wait to get to the mailbox to check it!  I pulled it out last night I received the new Moisture Renew Lipstick in the color 360 As You Want Victoria.  I didn't really plan on wearing or trying it on until I got off of work today, but I dropped it in my purse and went about my morning.  Once I got to work and swiped it on my lips I was taken back because not only did it glide on smoothly, the color was like "BAM!"  In my best Emeril Lagasse voice.  Although the color was a little bright for my taste (I'm a dark skin tone and the color is a fuchsia-pink), I added a little dark brown-purple lip liner and I was about my way.  I say that it wears really well, since I have had it on about the last three hours, it just started fading away and most of that because of the transfer of it onto my coffee cup.  So a little goes a long way, but also the transfer is very high as my cup was stained from the product.  Last, but not least, it also is very conditioning.  Since it glides on smoothly it does feel moisturizing to the lips.  I would suggest to exfoliate the lips first as the color could bleed into the lines on your lips.  I have been BAD about this!  *SCREECH*  Anyhow, This is a brief review since I just tried it on literally three hours ago, but I felt compelled to say that I am definitely ready to try the other colors that are offered in the new Moisture Renew line NEW & IMPROVED!  

#MoistureRenew 
Peace & Happiness :)

Erika

ModDeals.com!

Ladies!  Have you been mauling over purchasing new clothes and/or shoes?!?  Look no further!  Since I am a YouTube junkie, I was getting my daily dose of subscription videos in when I saw Erica Fae mentioning some shoes that she her purchased from ModDeals.com.   The best thing about it...the shoes were only TEN DOLLARS!!!!  Yes, DIAZ PESOS for my Spanish speaking friends.  I may have not said that right, but you get my drift.  Not only do they have clothes and shoes, they also have beauty items to include nail polish, jewelry, accessories, and bags!  Again did I mention that you can get items between $10 and $15 dollars.  I am in NO WAY sponsoring this site, but just thought it would be great to share with others who like to save a pretty penny!  *Raises hand HIGH*  Knowledge is meant to be shared so don't be selfish!

So if you are still here reading than you are not fast enough or you are smart enough to another tab/window, read, AND shop! 

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

Blog Updates!

Hello all!  It's been a few days, but I am back to make a few announcements. 

1. I still am selling L.A. Girl Pro Conceal concealers via eBay!  My store name is shopphoenixrising123 and you can find them there or just do a simple search for "L.A. Girl Pro Conceal Concealers."  Most color options are fair/light skin tone.
2. I will be posting this week about Winn-Dixie HUGE Buy 1, Get 1 FREE sale!  I'm excited about this myself.
3. Last but NOT least, check out my online boutique!  I haven't had much traffic there lately but I do have earrings on sale!  Go to www.shopphoenixrising.storenvy.com :)

Until next time, shoppers!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

Ulta 1/26-2/1

Ulta has a 20% off coupon in the Sunday (1/26) paper that you can use on products that will be listed below!  If you prefer to shop online, the coupon code is 101891; enter the coupon code in the space provided in your shopping basket and click "apply."

bareMinerals is having a sale on their kits!

• One Hot Mama (6 pc kit; $98 Value) $39
• Kiss Me, It's My Birthday (4 pc kit; $54 Value) $25
• Beauty Obsessed (4 pc kit; $50 Value) $25 *This kit also includes a 20% OFF card for your next bareMinerals foundation purchase!*
• Red Carpet Train Case ($99.99 without coupon, with coupon $79.99!) Includes a complete Pro 45 Starter Kit plus a full size French nail tip packet, nail jewel packet, nail applique packet, 20 foil wraps, 20 lint free wipes, accessory kit & how to DVD.
• Buy 2, Get 2 FREE, PLUS 20% OFF with COUPON! Ulta Cosmetics, Beauty Tools, Implements, Brushes, Professional Primers & Nails, Bath, Smoothies, Anti-Bacterials, Skincare & Haircare (Reg $3-$25)
• Buy 1, Get 1 50% OFF Loreal & Maybelline Mix & Match Cosmetics (Reg 3.49-15.99). Also included:  Loreal & Garnier Skincare & Suncare (Reg. 4.99-24.99)

L.A. Girl Pro Conceal Concealer!

Follow me on Instagram (@ebanx15) and you would know that I won an Instagram giveaway through iKatehouse for 18 shades of L.A. Girl Pro Conceal Concealer!  I was one of three winners and was excited when I checked my mailbox today to see that they had arrived.  

I knew that all of the colors was not going to work for me so I plan on sharing the wealth with family & friends and selling the other colors on eBay.  If you do not know, L.A. Girl Pro Conceal has been labeled the dupe to MAC's Pro Longwear Concealer.  I can't say this is true as I don't own any MAC Pro Longwear Concealer, but for the price of the L.A. Girl's concealers, I will stick with what I know!  Normally, you can find this product in your local beauty supply store between $1.99-$2.99.  If not, you can always check www.ikatehouse.com or other sites, such as eBay, if the product is not located in your area.  By 8PM EST tonight I will have a few listed on eBay so if you are interested make sure to check it out!

Express Sale Beginning at Midnight!

Checkout Express for their 40% OFF EVERYTHING Sale starting at Midnight, 1/24!!!

REMINDER!!!

Don't forget to check out my site, Phoenix Rising Boutique!  I am currently in the process of bringing my unorganized ladies an earring organizer to hang their favorite earrings on their walls, not only to keep them tangle-free, but to have in view to choose for your chic outfit for the day!  If you haven't seen it, check out my Instagram page!  Also, there is a link on my blog to the right that says 'Visit my Store."  I'll leave the link here to directly take you there!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

DSW

Most sales for DSW ends today!  Rewards Members can earn 2X the points and Premier Rewards Members can earn 3X the points, BUT that ends today (1/21)!

Looking to shop early for Spring and Summer?!  Check out DSW's strappy sandals they have for UNDER $60!!!

Also, 

Don't say I didn't tell you so!

Peace & Happiness!
~Erika

Achieve your dreams in 2014!

Okay...shoot me....I came up with a corny, cliche type of quote, but hey it fits the time!  I woke up this morning in such a great mood!  I enjoyed myself last night/early morning with my family and friends, having a small kickback at our house.  It was wonderful to spend it with the people you love and that's my thing for 2014:  LOVE!  I am getting married in 6 months and love is in the air as I have witnessed four people from Christmas to now getting engaged!  I am thankful, blessed and ready to achieve those dreams that I have.  I read a WONDERFUL article on Facebook today from Entrepreneur.com.  Please check it out here!  Recognize your systems, rather than your goals!  If you want to know what I mean, READ THE ARTICLE!  Anywho, here are a few pics from the night!  

OOTN "Mo Betta Blues"

Shirt:  JCPenny

Shorts:  Forever 21

Boots:  BCBGeneration

Tights:  House of Holland

Earrings:  Phoenix Rising Boutique

My honey and I decided to dress alike in colors :)

Hope your enjoy your New Year!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika~

Giveaway Quote!

Here is the quote that is needed with your submission of your New Year's Resolution comment for Facebook!

Good luck!  Remember we are all winners as long as we keep striving for what we want!  

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika~

Phoenix Rising Boutique Giveaway Details!

I am happy proud to announce my first giveaway for Phoenix Rising Boutique!  *YAY!  Cheers & applauds roar the crowd!*  This giveaway is to celebrate the New Year and the new goals that I have in my life.  I actually started my boutique about two months ago and have been really slow to get it going.  I am thankful for those family and friends who have supported me thus far.  I have put a lot of time (and money) into this and I would just like to reap some of the hard work I have been doing so what better way than to do a giveaway!  I would like to thank Jasmine Rose (@JazzyTe007) for supporting me when I reached out to her.  PLEASE go check out her YouTube channel as she is AWESOME!  She talks about fashion, makeup, JIY/DIY's, and most of all community.  She is all about giving back and reaching out to help someone!  Here's a link to her channel and her blog!

Okay, so enough with the intro and into the details about the giveaway!

1. You must "Like" my Facebook page, Phoenix Rising Boutique.  My page is www.facebook.com/shopphoenixrising or just click here!
2. Write one of your New Year's Resolutions in the comment section under the giveaway post!  Please be specific and try to limit your resolution to one specific thing.
3. Name the quote from my blog dated for today (December 29, 2013) along with your comment.

Winner will be selected at random and contacted through Facebook.  Giveaway ends 12/31/2013 at 11:59PM EST.  Winner will be contacted via Facebook on the Phoenix Rising Boutique page.  The winner has 24 hours to respond on the page or forfeit their winnings and another winner will be selected.  Good luck and Happy New Year's!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika~

Update on Boutique!

I have been slacking in the department of keeping up with my online boutique!  Shame on you, Erika!  However!  All of that is changing!  I am currently working on some new projects and beginning a new technique for the earrings to get much more wear and tear out of them!  If you haven't been to the site yet, please check it out here!  I have great stuff for family, friends, coworkers, you name it!  Here is a preview of what you would see on the site... All of the earrings are uniquely named so that they are easier to identify. 



"Egyptian Goddess"                                     "Ready to Hoop?"

"Victorian Charm"                                           "The Chandelier"

Make sure that you stop by TODAY and order a pair.  Also, check out my Facebook page, as I will be having a giveaway for the New Year!  Comment below and/or on my Facebook page if you think I should do a monthly giveaway!  Details of the giveaway and rules will be on my page by 5:00pm EST TODAY!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika~

Come as You Are

I have had this T-shirt for some time now and today is the first day that I wore it.  I found it fitting since it was Sunday and I wanted to "Dress to Impress."  I got a few stares and one person asked me if it was really my church clothes.  Hey, what can I say! :)

Shirt:  Thrifted

Pants:  Forever 21

Shoes:  Kids Foot Locker (KD VI)

Earrings:  Body Central

Shades:  Forever 21

Hope every enjoyed their Sunday Funday!!!

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

Outfit of the Days

I decided that I wanted to start doing outfit of the days. This is part of me opening up for 2014 and making myself happy. I have taken a pledge to plunge more into things that I like and make me happy. Not only make me happy but make me feel and look good! What better way than to express myself through fashion. I kind of feel like I'm jumping on a bandwagon, but if that bandwagon is willing to take me to a happy place, I'm all for it!

OOTD--"Stripe Me Down"

Top--Charlotte Russe

Bottoms--Target

Shoes--UrbanOg

Shades--Forever21

As I was writing this blog, I had the GRAND idea to get my fiance involved with OOTD as well.  I figured maybe we can be a tag team/duo like Jay & Bey...minus the rich and fame that comes along with it.  A girl can dream can't she!? :)

His OOTD--"Dos Equis"

Top--Old Navy

Shorts--Aeropostale

Shoes--Nike (Foot Action)

I We will be back to do Outfit of the Days, and if not together, at least one of us...that being me!  

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

Online Store! Phoenix Rising Boutique

So...I've been gone for a while now.  So long to trying to post a blog a day or at least every other day.  UGH!  But anyway, during that time I wasn't blogging, I FINALLY made my online store.  *jumps up and down hysterically*  This is such a hobby of mine and I finally took the opportunity to share it with others.  I have started making homemade earrings to include button earrings and other types of earrings.  I want to add stuff to the collection such as embellished beanies and eventually sell dresses. Here are a few of my pieces that I have created so far....

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On the site they have little names given to them that I thought would spice things up and add some flair.  I am in the process of promoting myself more and hope that I would have the support of friends, family, and others who are just interested in supporting a small business.  I am proud of my work thus far and hope that others are too and are willing to spread the word.  If interested just go here:  Phoenix Rising Online Boutique.  I will continue to add and update as needed.

Also, if you could leave a comment in the comment box to tell me what you look for when shopping online and what do you look for when receiving an item purchased online?  This would help me with connecting with my customers, having good packaging and promote great customer service.

Peace & Happiness!

~Erika

The envious man...

The envious man grows lean at the success of his neighbor.–Horace

I do not like to be envious or jealous of what any one has.  I understand that they hustle, put in hard work, or are just plain ol’ lucky!  I say that just to say that YouTube is really hurting me.  I look at these women on there and I am SO jealous!  Like, you really have that much time AND money to spend on clothes and shoes, while I’m over here trying to budget but DYING to shop.  Shopping is therapy for me…retail therapy and I don’t make my therapy sessions any better by watching women who have the time and money to do so.  I understand that YouTubers get paid to do what they do and some also have sponsors who send them items to review for free.  I wanna be one of the girls!  I love FREE stuff!  (In my best Pops voice from Friday).  Maybe, just maybe, I would be able to review stuff via my blog.  Like I’ve said before I want to start a YouTube channel, I just don’t want to be another one of the millions talking about the same thing (hair, beauty, fashion).  My calling is coming one day….one day….

What to do next???

I signed up for to sell Mary Kay and become my own Independent Beauty Consultant in June.  Needless to say, from the title of this post, I decided to end that business and move on to something different.  Although Mary Kay would allow me to make my own schedule and my own money, I just wasn’t feeling it like I did when I signed up.  Plus it was hard to get people past the “old” Mary Kay and the lines like, “Mary Kay broke me out.”  I heard that one too many times.  It was just a stressful situation to even get to talk to women, many who I did not know, and try to sell them a product that has the brand to be used by “old women” and “grandmas.”  I wasn’t into that and only sold one product since June so why continue the hassle.  What to do next?  My next few projects that I have in mind are creating my earring organizer, making new earrings, and working towards buying a sewing machine.  I have had the thought of buying thrifted items and revamping them to fit today’s style.  It may not be until the end of the year before I get a sewing machine though.   Plus with a wedding that I am planning, I don’t know if buying sewing machine would be the ideal thing to do.  Although there are many DIY projects I would like to have for the wedding so the sewing machine idea is 50/50.  If any of you have any suggestions on what I could do to cut down costs, PLEASE let me know.  I’m also working back on getting back on my coupon game.  I really need to save every penny, nickel, and dime I can at any price. I’ll keep trying to make that dollar out of fifteen cents…